Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sierra Pest treat inside?
Before recommending any method of treatment, a pest specialist completes a thorough inspection of your home. Based on the size and scope of the infestation, as well as home structure and layout, the specialist can identify appropriate pest treatment methods, which may include targeted product application inside, outside or both. The specialist will review pest control recommendations with the customer to confirm a program that is right for them and takes into account any special circumstances that may exist.
What kind of training do Sierra Pest technicians go through?
All of our technicians stay abreast of new technologies and chemicals through continuing education programs and are licensed Certified Applicators ( the highest of three Structural Pest Control Board ratings).
Additionally, all Sierra Pest employees undergo rigorous drug screenings and criminal background checks prior to being hired. These screenings are followed by annual motor vehicle report checks and random employee drug testing.
Sierra Pest's thorough training and screening measures are what sets our pest control specialists apart from the average exterminator.
What is the difference between a regular ant and a carpenter ant?
Carpenter ants can be black, brown, red, or a combination of these colors. They can be easily distinguished from most other pest ants by the carpenter ant’s “heart-shaped” head. Carpenter ants can be found throughout the U.S. and are named for their ability to excavate nests in wood, creating smooth tunnels or galleries. In the U.S. few other ant species have this behavior. Carpenter ant damage is sometimes confused with that of termites, which also damage wood. Unlike termites that eat wood, carpenter ants hollow out wood, leaving behind small piles of sawdust. Carpenter ants prefer to build nests within decaying, moist wood – sometimes creating multiple nests in a single area. They are commonly found in porch pillars, roofs, windowsills, dead trees and dead parts of living trees.
Why do I need ongoing pest treatment?
In any pest control program, ongoing maintenance is necessary to ensure control of any infestations and to help prevent future ones from occurring. Pests want three things: food, water and shelter – all things that are inside your home. They often are relentless in looking for ways to get inside your home, so we must be vigilant in keeping them out. Also, different pests are active as the weather changes, requiring different treatments as the seasons change. We partner with our customers, encouraging them to take simple steps in addition to the appropriate pest treatment provided by a licensed professional, to help keep potential pests in their place all year round, and to help keep your home protected.
How do I know if I have a termite swarm?
In some cases, homeowners have no idea there is an infestation until they see hundreds to sometimes thousands of winged termite swarmers or they see their discarded wings on windowsills, floors or in spider webs. Another sign a homeowner may notice is the termite damage, such as eaten pieces of wood, or sand-grain like droppings.
While termite colonies are extremely difficult to see, there are several signs of termite infestation/activity that every homeowner should know.
Subterranean Termites: Mud Tubes - Subterranean termites usually invade the home from the ground. Mud tubes are built above ground so termite workers can reach wood or cellulose areas of a structure from their underground nests. The purposes of the mud tubes are to protect the termites from predators like ants and to prevent them from drying out since they need high relative humidity.
Drywood Termites: Frass (Termite Droppings) - Drywood termites don’t usually attack from the ground. They invade by the swarmers entering structures through cracks in the structure and then boring directly into the wood, sealing the hole and mating. As they eat their way through wood, they produce frass, or droppings, that are all the same size and shape though they may vary in color from tan to brick red to black depending on the color of the wood.
I have a clean house but still have bugs – why?
Pests want what we have – food, water and shelter. Many pests such as roaches and even rodents can fit through tiny cracks and crevices in search of these resources. This can happen no matter how clean your house may be. Other pests like bed bugs are not related to cleanliness at all. They are hitchhikers in search of a blood meal that people can easily – and often unknowingly – provide. It is best to have a trusted professional conduct a thorough inspection to identify pest risk factors around your home. For tips on protecting you and your family from unwanted pests.
What should I look for when choosing a pest control company / professional?
There are several important qualities a pest control company / professional should possess, such as:
• A pest control license
• Ability to provide a free on-site inspection before providing a quote for treatment
• Expert knowledge of pest identification and treatment
• A guarantee of service from a stable company with a reputation for providing effective pest prevention, treatment and control
How do I keep spiders out of my home?
It is important to note that if you have a spider problem, you likely have a pest problem. Spiders are predators and make a living eating pests such as bugs. They may wander in your home searching for these pests. If you want to rid your home of spiders, a great first step is to contact a licensed pest management professional to first rid your home of the spider’s food source which is other pests. In addition the specialist can employ spider control tools to catch or repel the spiders. Finally there are some highly effective strategies we recommend you can do to make your home less attractive to spiders:
• Seal off potential entries like cracks and crevices, spaces under doors (install door sweeps), holes in screens, etc.
• Inhibit their ability to create webs by cleaning, dusting, removing clutter etc.
• Reduce lights on the outside which may attract other pests.
How do I get rid of moths?
The appropriate treatment for moths depends on the type of moth present in your home. Some moths infest dried food, some attack fabrics, and others may simply fly inside after being attracted to lights. Identification is extremely important when dealing with moths as there are several thousand different species. If you notice these pests in your home, call your local pest control expert who can identify the type of moth and suggest appropriate treatment methods.
What is the best time to treat for termites?
Now. A home is a major investment that you want to protect, and protection starts with termite prevention. Almost all homes should have a termite treatment and be inspected by a licensed pest control company. The company should not only treat but evaluate the environmental factors around the home looking for attractive conditions for termites such as woodpiles, water leaks, and foundation penetrations.
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